Very close to Panajachel there is a nature reserve on Lago Atitlán. Here you can enjoy the ‘raw’ and pure nature of Lago Atitlán apart from the lake itself and explore the area via suspension bridges – which are quite squeaky and slightly rusty to be honest. There also is a butterfly garden and a really beautiful beach within the nature reserve. And concerning the beach, I don’t think many people know about it. So it’s really quiet a nice to just chillax and take the view in 😀 Plus I think there’s a hotel, but I’ve only seen a sign for it, so… 😀
By ‘close’ to Panajachel, I mean a 5 to 20 minute walk. You do have to walk along the edge of the road where cars and buses drive by, but you should be okay 😊
Concerning the suspension bridges…. They are not made for the faint-hearted or people with a fear of heights. Like they really make some noises that… The video directly below the photos will give you an idea of what I mean 🙂 Personally, I didn’t think it to be dramatic, but I could understand if it scares some a little 😊
Go or not? Since the nature reserve is completely free, very close to Panajachel and a different kind of excursion on Lago Atitán, I would do it 😊